Psychological & Brain Sciences 481 - Impact/DisabilitiesOnFamilies

University?s Course Catalog? Families of children with disabilities have a broad range of experiences. This course will address the positive and negative impacts of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the well-being of various family members across the lifespan, through discussion of empirical research and family stories. We will focus on consequences for parents (e.g., diagnosis, family organization, stress and coping, resilience), siblings (e.g., sibling relationships, future caregivers), as well as grandparents and other extended family members. These topics will be explored through the lens of family theories with an emphasis on application to public policy and intervention.

DDHS (Developmental Disabilities and Human Services) students only. Additional required class time is online and asynchronous in lieu of Friday in-person meeting.

Registration is only open to students in the Developmental Disabilities and Human Services (DDHS) Specialization for the first month of registration. Non-DDHS students should visit blogs.umass.edu/ddhs to request registration in this course.